AFRICA
Eighth Graders Refuse to Take Photo with Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan, an American politician and Speaker of the House of Representatives, has become quite unpopular among the common public. Said to be “one of the most unpopular politicians in the country… he’s polling particularly poorly among one 8th grade class.”
In South Orange Middle School in South Orange, New Jersey, part of the eighth grade class refused to take a photograph with the politician. Heather Dockray of Mashable writes, “they were given a very special opportunity: a photo-op with Speaker Paul Ryan. Under normal circumstances, many students would leap for the chance to take a photo with the third most powerful politician in the country. Not these kids.”
One student, in particular, Matthew Malespina, told the newspaper, The Village Green, “I can’t take a picture with someone who supports a budget that would destroy public education and would leave 23 million people without healthcare.” He added to this by describing Ryan as “a man who puts his party before his country.”
Other students described their opposition towards Ryan’s relation with President Trump. Louisa Maynard-Parisi, another student, said, “I didn’t want to be in [the picture] because he believes in most of what Trump believes in.” As a result, close to 100 eighth grade students declined the offer for the photograph, sitting in a parking lot across the street.
Parents were consequently shocked and concerned about their children’s knowledge on politics, especially at such a young age. Some questioned the students’ choices to demonstrate against a politician—others, on the other hand, could not have been more proud. Matthew Malespina’s mother says, “I am proud of my son and all the other students who chose to respectfully not to participate in the photograph with Speaker Ryan.”
The world of politics has always been notorious for creating enemies, regardless of decisions made—that is, it is impossible to please everyone. While a portion of the students decided to take a picture with Paul Ryan, others abstained from doing so; nevertheless, they all exercised their constitutional rights in a respectful manner, which showed the undoubted beauty in democracy.
Featured Image via Flickr/Gage Skidmore